Saticoy is still here at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, in an off-exhibit area being socialized with a large group of condors. We still have not heard whether or not he will be released to the wild, so we are still considering him a release candidate. Geneticists for the California Condor Recovery Program determine the suitability for release for every condor chick that hatches. They take into consideration the chick’s sex, representation at each release site, and genetic value.

Saticoy’s socialization group consists of three other males who hatched this year: Siyi (pronounced “SEE-yee”), Nechuwa (pronounced “neh-CHOO-wah”), and Sukilamu (pronounced “soo-kee-LA-moo”). He is also living with a 1-year-old female named Ihiy (pronounced “EE-hee”), a 2-year-old female named Asha (pronounced AH-sha), a 5-year-old female named Sinya (SIN-yah), and an 8-year-old adult female named Xananan (pronounced “ha-NA-nan”). Xananan is the boss of the group. Her main job is to show the juveniles how to interact in a group. This “mentoring” job is very important in the social development of the younger birds. Birds that are not well socialized before they are released tend to have low survivorship in the wild.

Saticoy has integrated well into this group. He is very social, perching or roosting with just about anybody. Sometimes we see coalitions form among young birds, resulting in these birds only socializing with a few members of the cohort. Saticoy is comfortable with everybody; he seems to be a very confident and adaptable young condor! At feeding time, he defers to the older, more dominant birds, but still remains competitive enough to eat well at every feeding. Sisquoc and Shatash have done another great job in raising a healthy, strong chick.

Soon, we should receive notice of Saticoy’s release status, whether he will stay in one of the breeding facilities or be sent to one of the release sites in California, Arizona, or Mexico. We’ll let you know as soon we hear!

Next week, I’ll share updates on all of Saticoy’s older siblings. Be sure to check back!Ron Webb is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Read his previous post, Condor Moving Day.

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8 Reader Comments

Thanks so much for the update on Saticoy. Great to hear that he is doing well and has many friends. He looks so BIG! Be well Saticoy and good luck in whatever life brings your way.

Susan, PA

Posted December 8, 2012 at 10:12 AM

Thank you, It was great to watch him grow and now see him again and to hear how he is doing.

Bernice in the Yukon

Posted December 8, 2012 at 3:25 PM

Thank you for the update. I so enjoyed watching him.

Kathy Smigun

Posted December 10, 2012 at 9:05 AM

We have been fascinated with this program since it was started! Condors are amazing and we appreciate being able to see them. Thank you for the update!

Diana S

Posted December 10, 2012 at 11:48 AM

Thanks for the update! Happy to hear that Saticoy is doing so well and learning among his peers. Yes, please, let us know about his release status!

Lee in Vancouver

Posted December 11, 2012 at 12:46 PM

Thanks for the update Ron. After watchins Saticoy hatch and grow to the weaning stage, it was hard to not hear or see him for months. I am so glad that he is adjusting to his new surroundings and pen mates.

I look forward to hearing if he will be released.

Lydia

Posted December 13, 2012 at 1:41 PM

Thank you, Ron, for the update on Saticoy. I really thought I will never hear about him again, since it has been such a long time since he was taken away from his parents.

Christine B. Hayes

Posted December 16, 2012 at 2:16 PM

Ditto to all the other comments!

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